CD Reviews

Sensual euro-house nrg

Daniel (djdano@worldnet.att.net) | San Diego | 10/23/1998

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Four stars instead of five simply because only a few things in life can be perfect. But by comparison to the many dull, obvious and predictable house compilations on most U.S. labels, this one may seem like a perfect and refreshing change. A strong but subtle raw analog bass line palpitates and drives each tune; the theme is, again, recovering the magic of Summer. A Summer lost in Ibiza or some Mediterranean island; maybe the type of Summer that one can understand vicariously through the erie tapping of these rhythms. Much more sophisticated than the usual fare, most of the CD finds itself along the lines of Hooj Choons records, anything Jose Padilla touches (yet consistently dance and house---no acid ambiance here) and anything by Nalin & Kane. Very soothing house, yet exciting and enthilling, but always with reserve. And letting the unknown be imagined. Highlights include the now legendary "Beachball" by Nalin & Kane, Lustral's very dreamy, sad and sexy "Everytime" and the falsetto crooning of Duke on "So In Love With You" (the most commercial song on the CD). Those who want quality music will need to abandon the radio (unless it's Voltage FM in Paris) and join a compilation like this one."